Taggart faces USF again, as coach

TAMPA — Not many things can make USF feel like its program has been around a long time, but Saturday brings a milestone of sorts. Western Kentucky's Willie Taggart becomes the first opponent to face the Bulls as a player and a head coach.

Taggart has a place in USF history. He helped Western Kentucky become the first visiting team to win in Raymond James Stadium.

Taggart rallied the Hilltoppers from a 17-0 deficit in 1998 to a 31-24 victory, rushing for 206 yards and three touchdowns as an option quarterback.

"All I can remember is him. He was phenomenal," said USF tight ends coach Larry Scott, an offensive lineman for the Bulls in that game. "He basically took the team on his shoulders and took them to victory."

Bulls graduate assistant Glenn Davis, a USF defensive back who faced Taggart in 1997 and 1998, got an interception off him in the Bulls' 31-3 loss during their first season.

Taggart, a Bradenton Manatee graduate, will spend plenty of time in the Tampa area beyond this weekend. The first-year coach has recruited in the area extensively, signing 15 freshmen from Florida in February. That group includes brothers Xavius and Bar'ee Boyd, true freshmen from Lakewood who have played at linebacker, getting four and two tackles, respectively.

FAST STARTS: The Hilltoppers lost their first three by a combined score of 150-59, but they took early leads against Kentucky and Indiana with a 59-yard touchdown run and a 91-yard TD drive, respectively. Western Kentucky has lost 23 straight dating to 2008. In 13 previous games against BCS conference opponents dating to 2002, it has not scored more than 14 points.

STILL WAITING: WR Dontavia Bogan has not practiced since injuring his right ankle against Florida 11 days ago. He watched Wednesday with a boot on the foot. Coach Skip Holtz won't rule him out for Saturday. WR Sterling Griffin, out since dislocating an ankle this summer, is expected to return Oct. 9 against Syracuse.